On the same day running back Caleb King was released by the Vikings, he also was released from jail.
“Mr. King was released from custody from the Anoka County Jail this morning without any charges being filed,” lawyer Lee Wolfgram, Jr. said in a press release forwarded to PFT. “The investigation will continue but the defense is encouraged by the thoroughness of both the Anoka County Attorney’s Office and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Both are taking care to ensure that all the facts are not only gathered, but seriously considered before reaching a charging decision in this matter.”
The Associated Press separately confirms that King has indeed been released from custody, that charges haven’t been filed, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Wolfgram, while not unequivocally professing that King had no involvement in the events that resulted in allegedly serious injuries being suffered by Andrew Hayek, suggests that King was provoked -- and that false claims possibly are being made about him.
“Mr. King has no history of violent behavior and, in fact, showed great restraint in attempting to calm a situation after an offensive racial remark was directed at him,” Wolfgram said, without identifying who made the remark. Previous reports indicated that King reacted after being teased about looking like a celebrity (apparently, Eddie Murphy).
“The defense is also confident that the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department is mindful that making a false report against Mr. King, or anyone, is a crime,” Wolfgram said. “Mr. King is relieved that he can report back to training in preparation for the upcoming season.”
Apparently, Wolfgram hasn’t gotten the news that King currently has no NFL job to report back to. If King is completely exonerated, the Vikings should give him another chance. Still, the fact that charges have yet to be filed doesn’t mean that King will walk away.